1. All About Medical Care

349. Questions You Should Ask About Medications Prescribed for You

Anyone taking prescription medicine needs–and should ask for–the following information.

1. •What is the drug’s name?
   

2. •How does it work?
   

3. •How long before it takes effect?
   

4. •What will it do for me?
   

5. •How long will it be effective?
   

6. •When should I take it?
   

7. •Are there possible side effects, both short- and long-term?
   

8. •Should I take it with meals?
   

9. •How long should I take the medicine?
   

10. •Is there a generic equivalent?
    

11. •Will it interfere or interact with another drug I’m taking and cause problems?
    

12. •May I stop taking it if I start to feel better?